Located in the historic Upper West Side of Manhattan, Park Columbus is a ten-story family development, housed in a 119-unit red brick building. Its official address is 101 W. 87th Street, which puts it square in the middle of all that New York has to offer. In one direction lie Central Park and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. A few blocks away in the other direction, Riverside Park beckons. Of course, there are plenty of restaurants and specialty markets to make any food connoisseur happy. And for the little ones of the family, there’s a children’s playroom with outdoor space.

The designers of Park Columbus put a lot of thought into maintaining a calming effect in the homes when they came up with some of the designs. The kitchens emphasize smooth surfaces and muted colors; yet, these things don’t take away from the room’s efficiency. Recessed lighting soothes frazzled nerves and creates a sense of peace, whether the house is buzzing with activity or not. Luxury-name appliances like Miele, Viking, and Sub-Zero add the elegance that kitchens usually lack. Full-height pantries contribute space. Larger units also have a washer and dryer, for convenience.

The Master Bath follows the lead of the other rooms in the home. Smooth limestone walls and floors and subtle lighting make bath time almost sublime, especially with the Kohler Tea for Two Bathtub. For those who don’t want to share, the spouse can be sent to the separate shower across the way for a relaxing rain “massage.”

Park Columbus has plenty for residents to do when they just have to get out of the house. The focal point is a woodland garden with flowering shrubs, ferns and a veritable forest of birch trees. Residents may relax among the trees, or pass through them to get to the gym and lounge area with kitchenette. On warm, weekend evenings, the roof deck invites residents to sit and enjoy the unique New York breeze.

Park Columbus has a number of units still available, from studios to four-bedroom apartments. They range in size from the small and cozy 563 square-footer to the quite respectable 1,894 square-foot unit. Prices start at $643,000 and surpass $2.7 million. Occupancy is slated for Fall 2008.

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Choice is the big-ticket at Ariel, the new two-tower development offered by Extell. East or West? You choose. Both high-rises launch residents high above the surrounding buildings, with wall-to-wall windows that afford expansive views of the Hudson River and Central Park. By the numbers, Ariel East, at 37-stories tall, is six stories higher than its sister. It has 64 units, while Ariel West has room for 73 families. The two buildings face each other across Broadway, and offer a similar glass facade.

The subtle differences between the two buildings provide for extra choice. But once inside, visitors will notice that both of the buildings have similar decor and amenities. Residents choose between three different kitchen styles, termed Classical, Modern, and Exquisite. They all boast efficient, ultra-modern designs. Hardwood floors throughout, and light, cheerful colors exude warmth that’s hard to ignore.

Living in Ariel has its perks, not the least of which is the large La Palestra Fitness and Wellness Center. The developments seem to cater to families, especially those who have children. This shows itself with a children’s playroom, a basketball court, and a private theater with widescreen picture. A four-lane indoor swimming pool caters to all ages, as does the Billiards room, which for the record also has a piano and room to sit and enjoy listening to the crack of the billiard balls. More sophisticated residents will enjoy the landscaped garden. And let’s not forget the most loyal members of the family, the family pets. For them, Ariel offers a pampering pet salon.

Ariel East has a number of one to four bedroom suites available, ranging in price from $1.195 million to $2.5 million. Sizes for the East units start at 1,440 square feet and extend to 2,263 square feet, more than ample living space for the modern family. If that’s not enough, the East building also has a 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath penthouse suite, priced at $6.795 million, with more than 4,000 square feet. Ariel West, on the other hand, has two bedroom units for sale starting at around $1.6 million, and larger four and five bedroom units. These units range in price, with the largest offered for $4.0 million. The area of these units varies from 1,320-3,124 square feet.

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For those really wanting to experience the wonders of New York, this is the place to be. The Upper West Side is full of historical and cultural spots, including the American Museum of Natural History and a number of dance and music venues. Of course, being out and about doesn’t oblige anyone to go “to” anywhere, as the shady, old-neighborhood feel of the area offers plenty of tranquility for that evening walk.

As far as new developments go, Avery has pretty standard decor offerings. Brand name appliances like Sub Zero and Miele showcase the kitchen and Waterworks fixtures adorn the baths. Of course, what would such luxury be without freedom of choice? Avery allows residents to choose their own color schemes and kitchen countertop styles.

What Avery offers its residents more than other developments—and the reason behind its success—is an amenity package that doesn’t include just the basics. This development has the state-of-the-art fitness center, the full-time doorman, and even a children’s playroom. But with the help of some friends, Avery also offers a few extra perks. Through an agreement with the Lincoln Center, residents of this building are afforded special ticket privileges. The Center also curates the development’s library, which is open 24 hours a day and includes free Wi-Fi access. Avery has also teamed with Abigail Michaels, the world-famous Concierge provider, which will allow residents access to hotel-style amenities such as cleaning service and valet. Many more services are offered for a small fee.

In addition to the services offered through others, Avery also offers its own special amenities to its residents. An on-site garage means no walking blocks from the car to the house. A screening room with comfortable stadium seating premieres quality entertainment at the residents’ convenience. A gaming room caters to a more active crowd, and sports a dartboard and a pool table.

Most of Avery’s 274 one, two and three bedroom homes are sold, but there are still enough available for those people who always have to do things at the last minute. Square footage for the units range from 748 for the smaller one-bedroom apartments, to nearly 1470 for available three-bedroom, three-bath units. Prices start at $900,000 to over $2,000,000. Avery Riverside South is located at 100 Riverside Boulevard, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

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From the outside, Harsen House looks like an office building, rather than a place to live, with its sixteen-story façade of windows. And for visitors going into Harsen House, this illusion will continue, because designers plan to add a 5000 square-foot retail space on the ground floor of the development. The second floor is dedicated to common community amenities such as the exercise room, which comes complete with cardio machines, weights, and space for more personalized fitness instruction such as yoga.

Once past the second floor, Harsen House residents can finally see the personal side of the development. Private elevators lead them to two and four-bedroom units, mostly half-floor apartments but including a two-story penthouse and a few full-floor, four bedroom and four-bath units with over 3,000 square feet of living space. Each unit has hardwood oak flooring throughout and floor-to-ceiling windows. And considering that ceilings are 9’9” tall, this provides a massive amount of natural lighting. Although the apartments are spacious, Harsen House also allows each resident access to a private basement storage area.

On this side of town, Harsen House is among only a few with LEED certification. This means that Harsen has been designated “environmentally friendly,” an important consideration for any family with a ‘green’ attitude. Harsen House received its certification by using renewable resources, more efficient energy sources and friendlier building substances. Units are heated with hot water that is radiated around the perimeter of the building. Central air provides efficient cooling for New York’s hot and humid summers.

Each unit of Harsen House is furnished with a large capacity washer and dryer and other “snuggly” amenities such as a gas fireplace with a stone mantel, sound-insulated glass for guaranteed privacy, and pre-wiring for Internet access.

Prices at Hansen House range from $2.5 million to $4.5 million for units that have more than 1,400 square feet and plenty of outdoor space to watch the world go by. Between the fifteenth and sixteenth floors, the penthouse has over 3,200 square feet of living space, in addition to a 675 square foot terrace. In all, residents have their choice between three different floor plans.

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A glass facade isn’t the only aspect of 200 West End Avenue that separates it from its neighbors. In an area of town homes and brick co-ops, this 17 and 29-story two-building condo development sticks out like the World’s tallest man in a kindergarden classroom.

If you’ve ever been to a natural history museum, you’ll feel right at home in this development’s lobby, with its beige-toned inlaid marble and smoked mirrors. But, if you’re part of one of the 173 families that can call this place home, you’re not expecting to “fit in” with the rest of the world. This is not a cookie-cutter community. Onsite valet parking, 24-hour hotel-style concierge services and an exclusive onsite children’s playroom separate 200 West End with most other condo developments in New York. But that’s just the start of the amenities offered here. Others include a resident’s lounge, screening room, billiards room, fitness center and wine tasting room.

The interior designers of 200 West End thought big when they designed these units. Floor-to-ceiling windows and large kitchens make even the smallest units seem spacious, and views of the city or nearby river show residents that it’s not all in their heads. Hardwood floors and white-oak cabinetry clothe the gourmet kitchen, and absolute black granite countertops contrast with white marble backsplashes to give it a contemporary feel. The master bath quickly whisks homebodies to another world with its frameless glass and marble shower and deep-soaking tub.

Potential residents can choose from studios, one, two or three bedroom units. The two and three bedrooms will be housed in the higher tower of this development. As of summer 2007, just under half of the units have been sold. They range in size from a 637 square foot studio to a 2800 square foot 3/4 bedroom, and the price range is just as wide, from a $780,000 studio to a $4.6 million 4 bedroom unit with all the fixin’s. Considering its location, these prices are to be expected. Central Park is a short walk away, as are Riverside Park, the Hayden Planetarium and Lincoln Theater.

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From the outside, it looks like the typical condominium development. Its glass facade shows off the interior as many others do, and at nine stories, it doesn’t stand out from its surroundings. But one should not underestimate the beauty and sophistication that Adagio offers.

Located at 243 West 60th Street, the forty-one lucky families or individuals who find a home here will also find plenty of opportunities to enjoy their surroundings. Exotic offerings such as Ipe Brazilian hardwood floors and African Wenge woodwork emphasize the area’s cultural focus. The custom kitchen is practically imported from Europe.

If first impressions are everything, residents of Adagio will impress anyone who comes to visit. The first thing visitors see is the lobby, its Wenge wood floor throwing off a vibrant hello.  The lobby lounge, with its sandstone fireplace and comfortable ambiance, is a perfect middle ground for those important business meetings. Once the meetings are finished, it’s upstairs to your luxury condo. Each residence has eleven-foot ceilings and a fireplace for those cooler nights. The master bath contains a Zuma soaking tub and heated limestone floors. If you don’t have time to bathe, you can enjoy a soaking rain in the separate shower with rain-style showerhead.

In the way of amenities, Adagio’s offerings are nothing short of amazing. They include a 40-foot pool, a fitness center with a yoga/Pilates room, and a real English garden, made specifically for Adagio residents. But what really sets this development apart from others in the area is the sheer amount of outdoor space offered with the units. Even select one and two bedroom units have private terraces that range in size from 500-2000 square feet. In a time when space is running short, such a generous plot of outdoor space is to be appreciated. 

Adagio offers practical 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in addition to spacious penthouses. The smaller units begin at 814 sq feet, and larger two and three bedrooms surpass 2000 sq. With a post office and a library both within walking distance, Adagio has everything a family could want. Located close enough for a family walk, Riverside Park and Central Park offer outdoor recreation, while Broadway beckons and the Time Warner Center calls for you to shop. Marketing for these units begin in October of 2007. Prices start at $860,000 and reach as high as $3 million.   

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Nowhere else in will you find such a combination of luxury and function. Located in the heart of everything at 555 West 59th, Element Condominiums looks more like a setting of an old time romantic movie, with its landscaped circular drive and a Porte Cochere entry. But residents of these one, two and three bedroom homes are quickly reminded of where and when they live. Each unit of the thirty-four story development has floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the city that drown the senses. Unique, airy designs and state-of-the art fixtures offer subtle reminders that residents live in the 21st century.

Similar to other luxury developments, Element does its best to give residents something “different” in the way of amenities. It has made arrangements with a private concierge service, and more uniquely, a wine valet. With this service, connoisseurs can store their wine off-site and arrange for its delivery when they want it. They can even view their collection on-line. Other amenities include a resident lounge with an HD flat-screen television, a billiards table and a kitchen/bar area. Kids can play on an outside playground or in the indoor playroom.

For the physically fit, or for those just wishing to be, Element Condominiums has a variety of fitness choices. It’s got a gym with Cybex equipment, a yoga room and three indoor pools, including a 60-foot lap pool and a kiddie pool to keep the little ones busy. Of course, no workout is complete without the final reward. Residents can heat up their tired muscles in a Scandinavian sauna, or enjoy a nice relaxing massage in the massage and treatment room. Element also has a private basketball court and an indoor half-court/regulation size squash court.

Within walking distance, residents can get their fill of outdoor activities at Central Park and on the banks of the Hudson River. World famous museums offer culture. There’s always something musically interesting going on near Broadway, whether it’s the orchestra or the opera, and live performances at the bring it all home. Buyers can join the Element family for as little as $800,000, though prices extend as high as $2 million. [ Contact Us ]

Still nearly two years from occupation, the luxury condominium development at 205 West 76th Street is making news. Not even off the ground yet, The Harrison’s developers have already had to make compromises. Having bought out the previously placed Equinox gym, the owner of Amsterdam Inn has refused to sell. And, although the people behind The Harrison (not to be confused with the restaurant of the same name) have committed to continuing the project regardless, this conflict has resulted in the prospects of trying to build a luxury condominium structure around and above the Amsterdam Inn.

If and when the building issues get settled, The Harrison can turn this block of the Upper West side of Manhattan into the jewel of the neighborhood. The building is nestled on 76^th street between Central Park and Riverside Park, leaving plenty of recreational opportunities. The structure is to be a two-tower building with studio, one, two, three and four-bedroom luxury condominiums. Residents have many amenities, including access to an in-building Equinox Gym, which is included in the monthly common charges.

Related is the real estate company behind the development of The Harrison, and they have been adding luxury and affordability to America since 1972. Their first collaboration with architect Robert A.M. Stern was The Chatham, and they have been working with the firm ever since. In fact, along with The Harrison, Related is using Stern’s services for two other condo projects, The Brompton and Superior Ink. In June of 2007, Related received the 2007 Honor Award from the National Building Museum for its work in urban revitalization and affordable housing.

Already registered for LEED certification, The Harrison, not to be confused with the restaurant of the same name, is intended to be eco-friendly, which includes using recycled materials, an energy-efficient irrigation system and new methods of heating and cooling. Prices begin at $700,000, and entered the market in the summer of 2007.

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This development is one of many converted properties on the Upper West Side. Surrounded by many of the destinations that attract visitors to New York, residents of 220 W. 93rd have no shortage of things to do around town. The building is sandwiched between Riverside Park and Central Park, close to cultural attractions such as the American Museum of Natural History and The Lincoln Center, and within walking distance of Columbia University and Broadway, two of the area’s best places to catch a good meal or find great conversation, not to mention getting the chance to expand the mind.

While the local attractions may be enough to attract some visitors, it is not what will bring most residents to 220 W. 93rd. What the people come for is the home, and this fifteen-story, brick and limestone building contains 18 different residences, each 2-4 bedroom condominium varying between 1104-2126 square feet of living space.

Condos are spacious and bright. The flooring is red oak and cherry wood cabinets adorn the kitchen. Master baths boast a soaking tub and limestone floors and walls. Residents have the option of choosing their condominium in “as-is” condition or with upgrades such as the addition of ceramic tiles and granite countertops, and new high quality, brand-name appliances. Each residence does include a washer and dryer, which will forego the need to go to the local Laundromat. In addition, the development is pet friendly, so those four-legged family members are welcome to move in too. Finally, a twenty-four hour lobby attendant adds security and comfort to this already cozy location.

220 W. 93 was developed by Samson Management. Halstead Property LLC, with over twenty years of experience in the New York area (and representing more than sixty developments) is responsible for marketing and sales. They must be doing a pretty good job, since five of the $1.7 million to $3.2 million condominiums are already in contract. For those looking for a culturally rich urban life, 220 W. 93^rd offers a small bite of the Big Apple at a cost that is far below the average market value of many “luxury” condominium developments.

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Welcome to history. Apple Bank Condominiums, which covers an entire city block at the corner of Broadway and 73rd Street, is now ready for residents. Originally the spot of Apple Bank’s uptown branch, SLCE architects, which has designed over 100 Manhattan developments, has renovated the old Apple Bank structure to add style and sophistication to the grandeur of early 20th century architecture.

Apple Bank includes 29 units of one to four bedroom condominiums, including several duplexes with rooftop terraces. Each condominium floor plan is designed to be one-of-a-kind, but quality reigns supreme. Hardwood floors in the living area mesh nicely with marble bathrooms to create a modern flair while maintaining the historic feel of the building’s history. Natural light brightens rooms nicely, and sound insulation at the windows and floors create unprecedented privacy.

For the frazzled CEO, Apple Bank Condos create a sanctuary from the helter-skelter of business life. The mail carrier delivers mail to a personal box located next to the front door of each unit, cutting down on those annoying trips to the community mailbox that many developments have. A 24-hour door attendant provides extra security and service for those late-night jaunts to the office. And once daily tasks are complete, the master bath offers a soaking tub with a separate stall shower.

Apple Bank’s amenities are all about convenience. The second floor offers residents a private exercise room, and dog owners will be happy to know that there is a resident-only dog-grooming facility on the eighth floor. Each condominium is equipped with a washer and dryer, but the building offers a large-capacity washer just in case residents need to wash blankets or other bulky items. Finally, each condominium comes equipped with high-speed Internet capabilities.

As a hub of global culture, New Yorkers expect to have plenty to do when they get off of work, and Apple Bank Condominiums is located in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper West side. Overlooking Verdi Park, the building is also within eight blocks of The American Museum of Natural History and the adjacent Planetarium. Also within blocks are Central Park, the Hudson River and a ton of small shops, boutiques, and restaurants that cater to all cultures. Apple Bank condominiums are selling fast, with 75% of the homes already purchased or under consideration.

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